Standard Bank has been a driving force behind SME growth across Africa, leveraging its deep market expertise, digital innovation, and tailored financial solutions to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. With a strong commitment to business sustainability and economic empowerment, the bank has delivered impactful initiatives that enhance access to finance, streamline operations, and foster long-term resilience.
How would you describe your bank’s role in the SMEs business journey considering their importance in the economy?
Standard Bank’s purpose statement is: “Africa is our home, we drive her growth.” Crucial to her growth are SMEs. We believe that SMEs play a critical role in job creation across the continent and are key contributors to Africa’s, and specifically South Africa’s, economic growth. Standard Bank supports over half a million businesses in scaling operations, creating jobs, and driving economic resilience. In 2024 alone, Standard Bank facilitated ZAR 150bn in intra-African trade.
We are committed to progressing South African SMEs’ business journeys by providing relevant and targeted products and solutions tailored to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, helping businesses to start, manage, and grow. Our client value proposition is anchored in our expert Relationship Managers, who are seen as trusted partners for growth, providing deeply personal service based on an in-depth understanding of the businesses we serve.
Our proposition is further strengthened by world-class digital platforms that enable self-service convenience, with 84% of our business clients being digitally active. We also leverage our established African and international footprint to ensure SMEs have a full-service banking relationship—from a basic business account at start-up to complex financial solutions as the business scales.
Our role extends beyond financial services; we actively advocate for SMEs, collaborate with industry stakeholders, and invest in initiatives that enhance their long-term sustainability. By fostering an enabling ecosystem, Standard Bank ensures SMEs are positioned to drive economic prosperity across Africa.
“We were the first African bank to introduce a business loan with three-minute approval and same-day disbursement.”
Why do you think your bank deserves to be awarded the SME Bank of the Year?
Standard Bank is committed to being a partner for growth and supporting SMEs at key moments—when they start, manage, and expand their businesses. Our solutions are specifically tailored to support SMEs and address market challenges. With over half a million SME clients, this segment remains a key priority. We have embedded SME solutions into our business strategy, driving deliberate investment to grow the client base.
Standard Bank is recognised as the number one banking brand in Africa and holds the second-largest market share in South Africa’s SME sector at 24%. In 2024, Standard Bank’s Business and Commercial Banking unit announced headline earnings of ZAR 9.3bn. Our goal is to become the market leader in SME banking.
We understand that cost management and financing are major challenges for SMEs. Standard Bank offers South Africa’s most affordable business account—MyMoBiz—at just ZAR 9.00 per month. We were also the first African bank to introduce a business loan with three-minute approval and same-day disbursement. In 2024 alone, ZAR 52bn was disbursed to business banking clients.
To support SME operations, we introduced SimplyBlu, an all-in-one payment platform that enables SMEs to accept card and QR code payments, manage inventory, and streamline operations.
Beyond banking, we offer SMEs dedicated financial education, advisory services, and development programmes. Our BizConnect platform provides access to expert insights, guides, templates, and networking opportunities. The platform attracts 15,000+ unique visitors monthly.
Standard Bank also champions SME growth through strategic funding. Our Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme has:
- Maintained 9,200 jobs,
- Created 1,603 new jobs,
- Supported 2,114 SMEs,
- Disbursed ZAR 137m in ESD funding
Furthermore, we host flagship SME conferences such as the Standard Bank SME Summit, attended by 5,000+ entrepreneurs, and the Standard Bank Top Women event, which celebrates and empowers female business leaders.
With a 160+ year legacy and a future-focused approach, Standard Bank remains the trusted growth partner for SMEs across Africa.
“In 2024 alone, Standard Bank facilitated ZAR 150bn in intra-African trade, reinforcing our commitment to SME growth.”
Briefly highlight the top three projects or achievements your bank has delivered for SME customers in the past 18 months.
SimplyBlu – A Game-Changer for SME Payments
SimplyBlu is a revolutionary all-in-one payment solution for SMEs. It seamlessly integrates card, mobile, and web platforms, improving efficiency and real-time insights. It helps SMEs streamline operations, make data-driven decisions, and scale efficiently across industries.
Key features:
- SimplyBlu Pro Card Machine: Accepts face-to-face card and QR payments, with integrated stock management
- SimplyBlu Merchant App: Mobile access for inventory, reports, and payments
- SimplyBlu Web Portal: Real-time reporting and stock management
ProActive Lending Platform – Personalised SME Financing
Standard Bank’s ProActive Lending Platform leverages transactional data to create tailored loan offers for SMEs. Relationship Managers proactively notify clients of available financing options. In 2024, this platform enabled ZAR 649m in SME loan disbursements.
Flexible loan solutions include:
- Business Revolve Credit Plan
- Commercial Asset Finance
- BizFlex Loan
- Business Term Loan
Cutting-Edge Client Onboarding
Launched in August 2024, Standard Bank’s digital onboarding system, built on Salesforce, has transformed SME account opening. This initiative has streamlined banking access for SMEs, reinforcing Standard Bank’s position as a leader in digital SME banking.
Key benefits:
- Onboarding time reduced from 60 minutes to 15 minutes
- Seamless integration of business banking and merchant solutions
- Automated documentation and e-signatures
